Elberta, AL - Bud Stalworth, a docent at the Baldwin County Heritage Museum recently brought Frances Cleverdon to see the museum. As with so many of the original families in Baldwin County, it had been many years since her last visit.They toured the facility with Education Director, Becky Holliday and discussed the need for sponsors for the museum. Ms. Cleverdon was pleasantly surprised with the many changes that have taken place in the museum. She was quick to realize the value it represents to the educators in the county and had many suggestions and a great deal of encouragement to offer. 

The Baldwin County Heritage Museum is the people’s museum built with their donations and support. There is no financial base to fund the museum. Each year funds must be solicited to keep the museum open for the public to enjoy. "An opportunity to welcome a member of one of the early farm families in Baldwin County, is a milestone to be remembered," Ms. Holliday commented, " Theirs is the story we work so diligently to preserve and protect. The future of the museum will be determined by their interest and support."

Bob Zimmerman has given the 1st $1000.00 sponsorship for the 2010/11 season  in appreciation for the work done by the museum staff to preserve and exhibit the items his family has donated. He also made the first annual pledge to match this amount yearly for the next ten years.

BCHM has received an anonymous pledge for another $1000.00 donation IF AMOUNT IS MATCHED by an individual or group. The Board of Directors are confident that this challenge will be met. Who will be the hero of the hour?  How many of you are there that can contribute to the $32,000 necessary in matched funds before the end of 2010?

The County Commissioners contribute $32,000+ each year. These funds are earmarked to pay the utilities and insurance for the museum. This amount needs to be matched by membership, donations and sponsors to pay the remainder of the yearly operating expenses. The museum must also generate an income from special events and fund raisers, classes, and gift shop sales. This balanced record of financial responsibility is necessary to apply for most grants.

BCHM sponsors provide the material and financial support necessary for the daily operation and programs of the museum as well as the conservation and preservation of the artifacts in our care. Services, such as electrical work, are receipted by the donor at normal cost and these receipts are used to prove the value of the donation to the museum. This is an important category on grant applications and shows the dedication of the public to caring for the people’s museum. Gifts of office, refreshment and janitorial supplies are welcomed and documented in the same way. A list of needed equipment, repairs, supplies and services is available by request. Sponsorships are tax deductable. The museum supplies proof of each donation to document their gift.

For more information contact the museum at 251-986-8375, or email bchm@gulftel.com. Visit the museum at 122521 Hwy. 98 E., Elberta, AL -  approximately 3 miles east of the Beach Express. NEW HOURS: Wed – Sat. 10 am to 3 pm. Closed all national holidays. FREE admission.

IMPORTANT NOTE: the museum is currently experiencing a serious lack of volunteers due to illness and family obligations. Unless we have one or more volunteers for each morning and afternoon period, the museum can not remain open to the public.  Please call before driving to the museum to check the status for the day. We hope this problem will be solved in the near future.